Day 4: Excursion to Vineyards and Farms

Today our class, along with Dr. Haggblom and Dr Healy, went by bus to Pouly-Fuisse. Pouly-Fuisse has a gorgeous landscape, dotted with vineyards and village homes. Grape vines are planted on north and south-facing slopes for better sunlight and water drainage, with grasses planted between the rows to prevent soil erosion. The many hills and cliffs scattered throughout the area really add to the scenic view. And the weather could not have been more perfect!

After taking in the view, we visited the Domain Perraud vineyard, owned by wine expert Sonya and her husband. The grapes made here are completely organic, using no pesticides or herbicides. In addition, all the grapes are picked by hand. The wine house is located right next to all the grape vines, which is generally not the case for French vineyards. The winery specializes in chardonnay.

After the grape juice is harvested and fermented, the newly made wine is left to age in oak barrels. We got to try the same chardonnay from 2014 through 2018, allowing us to understand the subtle differences in wine as it ages. It was poured straight from the barrel!

We then visited Mar Booij, a Dutch woman who raises goats and uses their milk to make goat cheese. She comes from Holland and lives and works here all alone, and makes easily the best goat cheese I’ve ever had. Mar decides to forgo AOP certifications on her cheese, which allow her to add a creative twist to her cheeses. This includes the addition of authentic Dutch herbs and spices.

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